Mayor Aboutaleb officially opened the Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG) terminal
Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG), one of the most innovative and automated container terminals in the world, celebrated its official opening at Maasvlakte 2. In addition to the spectacular show, the program featured guest speakers like Ronald Lugthart, Managing Director of RWG, Rob van Dijk, Chairman of the RWG Board of Directors, Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of joint shareholder DP World. The Mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, opened the terminal together with RWG’s Managing Director.
Mayor Aboutaleb about the new container terminal in the port of Rotterdam: “If we as a global port have the ambition to remain a world player, we need outstanding companies that are ready for the future. RWG is such an organisation.” High-quality automation RWG’s terminal is able to handle the largest vessels afloat in the most efficient and reliable way due to its innovative character. With dedicated handling facilities for barge, rail and road and extensive automation on site, RWG looks very different to a traditional marine terminal. “Our terminal, with its fully automated cranes, is run by a team of no more than 10 to 15 people on a day-to-day basis”, said Managing Director Ronald Lugthart. RWG employs 180 people. Most of our employees are IT specialists. “It is a completely new way in container operations. We are, in fact, an IT company that handles containers: a container terminal 3.0. With this, RWG wants to set an example for the world.”
Safety and sustainability The high level of automation at the terminal brings benefits for RWG when it comes to safety and sustainability. These are two areas in which RWG is leading the way. Innovative concepts result in shorter distances for internal transport and less equipment on the terminal.
With fully electric cranes which are powered by 100% green energy RWG is setting new standards in the industry. “Safety and sustainability are not just empty phrases. They are values that determine our behaviour on a daily basis, also towards our clients. Sustainability is important to us. Our remote operated cranes, for example, generate their own power”, explains Ronald Lugthart. RWG is also serious about safety. To RWG, safety means taking all possible measures and extensive staff training. In this way, risks are kept to an absolute minimum.